It’s been 45 or so years since Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em blessed us with the complete daftness and hilarity of Michael Crawford’s Frank Spencer. He played a uniquely disastrous individual character that cannot be forgotten. Now imagine that today... on a live stage.

Ipswich Star: Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em. Picture: SCOTT RYLANDERSome Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em. Picture: SCOTT RYLANDER (Image: Copyright © Scott Rylander 2018 / Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em))

Joe Pasquale takes on Crawford’s original character at the Ipswich Regent until June 16.

With slapstick, some very funny stunt work, as well as incredibly timed and impeccably delivered lines he has turned Spencer into his own creation.

Guy Unsworth has written a very clever script that is sure to keep most of the Some Mothers fans happy, but that also allows Pasquale to work with his character a lot more.

You would be disappointed to expect a 100% tribute to Crawford’s Spencer, but it is a very well-done rebirth. The raincoat and beret are still there, but only briefly appear. They no longer define the character.

Spencer’s mother in law is superbly played by Susie Blake (Coronation Street, Mrs Brown’s Boys) who clearly stole the show. With a downing of a whole bottle of homemade prune wine her superb performance gets better and better throughout.

Sarah Earnshaw is perfect as Frank’s long-suffering wife. Betty’s loyalty to her accident-prone husband is once again in place. A very hard part to portray without seeming weak or irritating, Earnshaw completely encompasses the original character.

It was always going to be risky taking this iconic character from screen to stage. There’s no doubt Pasquale was the most suitable candidate for the job.

Spencer has tumbled into the 21st Century, picked himself up, dusted himself off and returned with a big bang. And a lot of that comes down to the amazing staging, sound and light.

A good old British giggle, if you go in with an open mind, and don’t expect a complete recreation of the past.

Read entertainment writer Wayne Savage’s chat with Pasquale online now. The comedian returns to Felixstowe’s Spa Pavilion on August 27 with his new stand-up tour A Few Of His Favourite Things, celebrating 30 years in comedy.